PASSERGUIDE | JAPAN

Clémence Polès' Guide to Tokyo

Where To Stay

PARK HYATT SHINJUKU

CLASKA HOTEL

AIRBNB

THE GATE HOTEL KAMINARIMON

There are just too many amazing things to do and see. Instead, try to explore by neighborhoods. Decide on one or two things to visit a day, book your dinner plans in advance and leave the rest unplanned.

SHIBUYA

渋谷

Day one, you're going to be jet-lagged, so just stay local.

TOKYU FOOD SHOW

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

Not knowing where to grocery shop, I was pleased to discover Japan's subterranean food halls. A quick google search described these underground food court/gourmet supermarkets as "depachika' or 'depatos' and that most large train stations housed one. This is nothing like you've experienced. Some of the world's best food is housed under these train stations, and if Tokyu Food Show doesn't cut it (it'll always be my favorite as it was my first), there's Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi & more. All I'm saying is, do not miss the dessert section.

7-ELEVEN

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

So 7-Elevens in Tokyo are very much different to the ones in the United States. For one, it's totally acceptable to grab coffee, or lunch there. The best thing they got is their onigiri (which I could easily live off). If you're on a budget, I'd grab lunch here, and go bigger for dinner. Their sandwiches are pretty great too. I was dead set on going to a cat cafe, and was very excited about it. But after being warned that they are overcrowded, somewhat of a tourist trap, and that the cats aren't all that. I have no regrets.

RAKUSHOKUSHU MARU

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

RISTORANTE DA BABBO TOKYO

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

Where To Eat

EBISU YOKOCHO

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

STREAMER COFFEE COMPANY

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

GRANDFATHER'S BAR

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

WIRED TOKYO 1999

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

WHERE TO GO ▾

OWL CAFE

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

Tokyu Hands

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

Shibuya Crossing

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

LAFORET MUSEUM

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

DAIKANYAMA TSUTAYA BOOKS

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

MEIJI SHRINE GYOEN

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

AKIHABARA

秋葉原

Electric Town: The Gamer's Mecca.

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WHERE TO GO ▾

STUDIO Nanairo

Okay this is not exactly in Akihabara, but it's close enough. Now, bear with me on this, you might think that it's crazy to spend $200 to get dressed up as a geisha, but this was absolutely worth it/necessary. Granted, I got the Oiran plan instead of the geisha plan (of course it had to be cheaper) not knowing I was getting dressed up as prostitute, but you know what - no regrets.

NANA-IRO.TOKYO

SHINJUKU

新宿

WHERE TO EAT/drink ▾

WHERE TO GO ▾

Gyoen National Garden

Golden Gai

Robot Restaurant

I thought this was going to be a tourist trap and extremely cheesy, but honestly, this was extremely entertaining and fun - they really put their all in the show, and it was extremely impressive. Now, I definitely would not eat there, the food looked pretty suspect, and honestly, it's not really the vibe - just get a beer and maybe popcorn, it's cheap and you're set. A little tip: go to a tourist office and you can get 2000 Yen off, or try to get a coupon from a Time Out Magazine - DON'T PAY THE 8000 Yen!

WHERE TO EAT/drink ▾

Kyubey Sushi

OLD IMPERIAL

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

WHERE TO go ▾

DOVER STREET MARKET

⌨ WEBSITE | ✉ ADDRESS

More recommendations ▾

KOGENTEY

Located in the middle of an upper class residential area, the street leading towards it dark except for the illuminated entrance, Kogentey is a welcomed oasis in the heart of Sakurashinmachi. Two restaurants and a cafe built as warm wooden structures sit in its lovely compound. You don’t find this kind of architecture a lot in Tokyo.